Selling property in Portugal: how to increase the value of your house before selling

Before selling a house, it is essential to study the surrounding real estate market and understand what features are most sought after by buyers. By doing this research, you can boost the sale of your property, highlighting elements that it already has or improving others. These are our tips on how to increase the value of your house before selling in Portugal. 

Factors that increase the value of a property

The valuation of a property is something very important, both for buyers and sellers. Among the various aspects that can help you to increase the value of the property, some can be changed or enhanced, while others can be emphasised as key selling points. 

Location

This is a very important factor when buying a house. Many people value this factor for day-to-day management. Therefore, it is important that the property: 

• is central;
• has good access and entrances
• is close to health services, supermarkets, schools and public transport;
• has green areas in the surroundings;
• is quiet.

Natural light/sun exposure

The luminosity of the property, besides being a very important factor, can give a totally different perception of a space with little light. The more natural light your home has, the more it will be valued. Having large windows for example, is a factor to consider. 

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Type of house

The structure of the house, the layout of the rooms and the extras that it has can all be decisive at the time of selling the house. Something that increase the value of the property is, for example, joining rooms to give a feeling of greater amplitude and making the house more functional. 

• Room size: people like houses with spacious and airy rooms. The number of rooms is also a determining factor when looking for a property;
• Garage: the existence of a garage or a parking space is adds value to a property. If the property has a garage with a parking space in the same building, or a private, individual garage, the value may increase even more. 
• Balcony/Terrace: this feature has always been an important element in the sale of a property in Portugal, but thanks to the pandemic it has become even more important. People like to have outdoor space, and the more outdoor areas you have, the better.
• Lift: A flat or apartment in a high-rise block is not as sought after compared to properties for sale with lift access. People are looking for convenience and having to climb stairs with shopping bags is not pleasant, especially for older people or those with children.
• Views: the views enjoyed by a property are also an important factor when selling a house. People prefer houses with unobstructed views, rather than houses with views of another building, for example. 
• Security: properties with security, such as an alarm, 24-hour surveillance or a doorman, have more value. The same goes for houses in private condominiums.

How the property is finished

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The quality of the finishing in your home, as well as the structure, the insulation and the state of conservation can be decisive when selling a house. Some renovations can add more value to the property, such as:

• Painting the walls
• New floors
• Improving the electrics if the property is old
• New window
• Renovation of kitchen and/or bathroom.
• Intelligent home solutions and technology

Nowadays, properties in Portugal are increasingly intelligent, making a person's daily life easier. Some of the most valued technological features in properties for sale in Portugal are:

• Electric blinds;
• Radio and TV by voice command;
• Intelligent home appliances.

Energy efficiency and sustainable features

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Living in a property that is efficient and sustainable is an increasingly common concern for buyers in Portugal. Here are some suggestions of changes that you can make and that can help you to have a more sustainable and efficient property in Portugal:

• Improved insulation
• Double-glazed windows and PVC window frames
• Solar panels.

If you're planning to sell your home in Portugal, check out our step by step guide to selling property in Portugal.